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Chewy S’mores Brownies: A Nostalgic Treat

The aroma of a campfire always brings me back to childhood summers spent under starry skies. The crackling fire, the ghost stories, and, of course, the quintessential s’more – a gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy delight. But sometimes, a campfire isn’t readily available. That’s where these Chewy S’mores Brownies come in. They capture the essence of that beloved treat in an easy-to-make, utterly irresistible brownie form.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: 20
Yield: 20 brownies
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

21 ounces Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix
2 large eggs
¼ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups miniature marshmallows
5 graham crackers, broken into quarters
1 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Equipment Needed

13×9 inch baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Toothpick
Oven

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Prepare your baking pan. Grease the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan thoroughly. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Combine the brownie ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until well blended. Aim for about 50 strokes. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of the brownie mix are fine.
Spread the batter. Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to get the batter into all the corners of the pan.
Bake the brownies. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 34 to 37 minutes if using a glass or metal pan. Note: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Consult the brownie mix box for specific instructions based on your pan type.
Check for doneness. To test if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick about 1 inch from the edge of the pan. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are ready. A few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick are acceptable, but the batter should not be wet.
Add the marshmallow and chocolate topping. Immediately upon removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the miniature marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the warm surface.
Melt the toppings. Return the pan to the hot oven for about 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows and chocolate chips are melted and slightly softened. Watch closely to prevent burning!
Arrange the graham crackers. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully arrange the graham cracker quarters on top of the melted marshmallows and chocolate. Gently press them down into the warm, gooey topping.
Cool and cut. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into servings. This will help the topping set and prevent the brownies from crumbling. Cut into squares, using the graham crackers as a guide.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For Extra Gooey Brownies: Slightly underbake the brownies for a fudgier texture. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Preventing a Sticky Mess: To make cutting easier, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Enhance the Chocolate Flavor: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Toasting the Marshmallows: For a more authentic s’mores flavor, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows before adding the graham crackers. Be very careful when using a kitchen torch.
Substitute Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
Elevate the Graham Crackers: Before arranging the graham crackers, brush them lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a touch of extra sweetness.
Cutting Perfect Squares: Use a plastic knife to cut the brownies, as it will glide through the marshmallows and chocolate more easily without sticking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Chewy S’mores Brownies are best served at room temperature, allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to be soft and gooey. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce complements them perfectly.

To store leftover brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	216.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	99g	46%
Total Fat	11 g	16%
Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
Cholesterol	21.5 mg	7%
Sodium	113.7 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	29.3 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	4.2 g	16%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies: Use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
Vegan S’mores Brownies: Use a vegan brownie mix, egg replacer, and vegan chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Dark Chocolate S’mores Brownies: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Caramel S’mores Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows and chocolate chips before adding the graham crackers for a sweet and salty twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of miniature ones?
A: Yes, you can, but you may want to cut them in half or quarters to ensure even distribution and melting.

Q: My marshmallows are burning in the oven. What am I doing wrong?
A: Watch the marshmallows closely during the melting process. If they start to brown too quickly, remove the brownies from the oven immediately. You may also try lowering the oven temperature slightly.

Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the brownies ahead of time and add the marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker topping just before serving.

Q: My brownies are too dry. What can I do to make them more moist?
A: Be careful not to overbake the brownies. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or plain yogurt to the brownie batter for added moisture.

Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different flavors of chocolate chips, such as peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped-up chocolate bars.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy S’mores Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic trip back to simpler times. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies, gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these delightful treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make them your own. And most importantly, share them with your loved ones and enjoy the delicious memories they evoke. Happy baking!

Chewy S’mores Brownies Recipe